Open bow inflatable boat with removable frame

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a partially inflatable vessel having an open region at the bow and optionally at the stern of the vessel. A removable covering such as a tarp is provided at the bow region to allow access through the open region when the tarp is removed. The hull tarp covers the bow region to improve stability and operation of the vessel when moving through water at significant speeds.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An open bow inflatable boat to operate on water comprising:
 a. port and starboard longitudinal inflatable hull pontoons; 
 b. an inflatable floor attached to and extending between the port and starboard hull pontoons; 
 c. a bow pontoon continuous with the port and starboard longitudinal inflatable hull pontoons; 
 d. the bow pontoon forward of and above the inflatable floor; 
 e. surfaces defining an open bow region bounded by the port and starboard longitudinal inflatable hull pontoons, bow pontoon, and the inflatable floor; 
 f. a hull tarp exterior of the bow pontoon and releasably in contact with the bow pontoon so as to selectively cover the open bow region. 
 
     
     
       2. The open bow inflatable boat as recited in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a. a stern pontoon continuous with the port and starboard longitudinal inflatable hull pontoons; 
 b. the stern pontoon forward of and above the inflatable floor; and 
 c. surfaces defining an open stern region bounded by the port and starboard longitudinal inflatable hull pontoons, bow pontoon, and the inflatable floor. 
 
     
     
       3. The open bow inflatable boat as recited in  claim 1  wherein the inflatable floor comprises tapered tubes which are larger in a vertical dimension at an aft end than at a forward end. 
     
     
       4. The open bow inflatable boat as recited in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a. a frame removably attached to and extending between the port and starboard longitudinal inflatable hull pontoons. 
 
     
     
       5. The open bow inflatable boat as recited in  claim 4  wherein the frame is modular comprising components selected from the list consisting of: a seat, transverse frame members, longitudinal frame members, control console, storage locker, and a rigid floor section. 
     
     
       6. The open bow inflatable boat as recited in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a. a plurality of straps having a first end attached to the hull tarp and a second end comprising a fastening mechanism; 
 b. a float which is lighter than water attached to each strap between the first end and the second end; and 
 c. wherein each float has sufficient positive buoyancy to maintain the fastening mechanism at the water's surface. 
 
     
     
       7. The open bow inflatable boat as recited in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a. a plurality of fastening points fixed to the boat; 
 b. a plurality of quick release fasteners removably attaching the bow section of the hull tarp to the bow portion of the boat.